Conference to focus on childhood, teen and young adult cancer

Ireland’s first conference to focus solely on childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer and survivorship (CAYAS) will take place on September 11.

Over 300 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer in this country every year. They and their loved ones can face huge challenges as a result, including physical, emotional, cognitive and financial, and these challenges can occur at the time of diagnosis, during treatment and/or into long-term survivorship.

The conference, which will be held online, has been organised by three charities – CanCare4Living, Childhood Cancer Foundation Ireland and CanTeen Ireland. It is also being supported by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), the Irish Cancer Society and Children’s Health Ireland.

The theme of the conference is #ForwardTogether and its aim is to bring together all those affected by childhood cancer - from patients, survivors and carers to healthcare professionals and researchers.

“We want to highlight, encourage and support collaboration within the CAYAS community and keep the lived experience at the heart of the conversation. Just as each diagnosis is different, the impact is unique to each young person and their family,” commented the event’s spokesperson, Mary Claire Rennick.

The event will provide updates on the current CAYAS landscape and will include presentations from the NCCP, the Irish Cancer Society and Children’s Health Ireland.

“We’ll hear from those involved in ongoing research and developments, including the Childhood Cancer Fertility Programme. Our session on the lived experience will be central to all discussion and future planning.

“We will hear from young people and their families, so we can learn from their experiences to identify the many challenges and work together to address unmet needs,” Ms Rennick said.

She noted that as the event is online, high levels of participation are expected as no travel will be required and people can log on at their convenience.

The NCCP’s national clinical lead for children, adolescent and young adults with cancer, Prof Owen Smith, encouraged people to attend the event.

“This inaugural CAYAS conference will be a great opportunity for those involved with and impacted by childhood, adolescent, young adult cancer and survivorship to come together to share updates, discuss the challenges and to move forward together with the lived experience at the centre of our planning,” he commented.

The CAYAS Conference will take place on September 11, from 10am to 4pm. It is free to attend and you can register online here.